Ina Ray Hutton and The Melodears

Big Band leader Ina Ray Hutton and The Melodears exploded onto the male-dominated music scene in 1935. What started as a novelty act, quickly catapulted the group to National fame, sold-out performances and threatened top male bands of the era. Ina Ray conducted her musicians with her rhythmic dancing, all while dodging rumors about her ethnicity that threatened to stop the music.

Bombshell of Rhythm:

The Life & Secrets of Ina Ray Hutton

In 2014, I wrote and performed my award-winning solo show about Ina Ray Hutton’s life in and out of the spotlight. This 75-minute show featured 12 characters, 16 songs from the Big Band era, as well as singing and tap dancing. Click below to see a sizzle from opening night.

Directed by Julie Kline.

Performance venues include the United Solo Theatre Festival (NYC), SoHo Playhouse (NYC), Chicago Fringe Festival, Capitol Fringe (D.C.), Hollywood Fringe, Las Vegas Fringe and the Sagamore Beach Colony Club (MA).